The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says a technical issue was responsible for the unscheduled landing of its C-130 transport aircraft in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, during a ferry mission to Portugal on December 8.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft departed Lagos normally before the crew detected a “technical concern” that required an immediate safety response.
He explained that the aircrew made “a precautionary landing in accordance with established safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” adding that the situation made the diversion unavoidable.
Ejodame noted that all personnel onboard were safe and were accorded “cordial treatment” by Burkinabè authorities after landing, describing the host country’s handling of the incident as professional.
He added that arrangements were underway for the crew to resume their mission once the technical issue has been fully resolved.
The NAF spokesperson also assured the public that the service remains committed to operational discipline, adherence to global aviation safety standards, and the welfare of its personnel.
The clarification comes after SaharaReporters earlier reported that Burkina Faso’s ruling junta detained 11 Nigerian military officers and seized the aircraft following its emergency landing, claiming it entered the country’s airspace without proper clearance.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which comprises Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, confirmed the incident in a late-night statement, saying the aircraft was operating in Burkinabè airspace when it experienced an in-flight emergency and was subsequently forced to land.